At first glance, the LifeProof iPhone case just looks like a no-frills scratchguard for your do-everything lifeline. What you don't realize is that it is mil-spec rated—meaning it is water-, dust-, snow-, and shock-proof. Most cases that carry out similar functions are considerably more bulky than this one appears to be.

The case will survive six-foot drops and can be submerged under six feet of water. As proof of the LifeProof's ability, they took it out for a day on the beach.